The cold, chilly, snowy December has just begun, but, this joyful time of the year is actually quite inspiring. I've always loved snow and December.

Have you ever heard the adage, "No two snowflakes are the same"? Well, according to Jon Nelson, a research scientist (or as I like to call him, a 'snowflake-ologist') at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, researchers do not know enough about the processes that give snowflakes their uniqueness. So although the adage cannot be confirmed for fully developed snowflakes, it may hold true for some (snow) flakes that fall in the early stages of crystal formation.

I think I'll stick with my belief that 'no two snowflakes are identical', no matter their stage of formation. It's a much more magical a thought, don't you think? With the winter season upon us, the December snowflakes inspired these next wintery Suzie Snowflake inspired jewelry and gift ideas.

This crystal beaded handmade zipper pull charm can also be used as a petite wintery purse charm, cell phone charm, wallet charm, book bag charm and more. Total length is 3". This zipper pull makes a great stocking stuffer for your "Santa baby" children!

Blue Crystal Suzie Snowflake Beaded Earrings (E215)One of a Kind

SOLD

Get double the snowflakes with these handmade beaded earrings! Made with sterling silver hoop ear wires. Length is 1" from the bottom of the earwire.

Christmas is fast approaching and I know when I order online, I like to know if I'll get the item in time for Christmas.

The good news is, there is still time to have your CrystalAllure jewelry packages sent to arrive in time for Christmas. To have your jewelry package arrive in time for Christmas, just place your order no later than midnight (EST) December 19th, 2008.Your CrystalAllure.com purchase* will arrive in our beautiful signature chocolate box -ready for gift giving!

Today is the last day of the RMSC show. Although I should be getting ready, I just had to write about an event yesterday that left me (and my husband!) very disappointed.

In the early afternoon I had the pleasure of assisting a woman in a necklace selection. It was wonderful to be able to talk about all the components that went into the piece and the stones themselves. She was a fantastic customer and such a pleasure to work with. She was truly interested in the components and 'history' of the piece. In fact, I firmly believe for each piece there is the perfect person -this necklace was the perfect piece for this particular woman.

She made her purchase and I provided with her purchase my new decorative, brown and cream, bag with fabric handles. It is a very distinctive bag and one you would recognize.

Well, about an hour or more after her purchase she came back into my booth and told me a very disappointing story. She had visited another booth, had set her bag down....you know where this is going. I was crushed. I had a mix of emotions -I felt horrible that she no longer had her necklace -I felt anger towards the person who walked off with a purchase that wasn't theirs. My customer asked if I could re-make the necklace and I told her I'd look in my stock but would do my best and we'll work together. She asked that I call her sometime Monday as she hoped that the person who walked off with her bag might turn it in as lost or return it to my booth.

Sadly, I didn't have the same hope she did. This person who picked up (let's be real here -STOLE!!) her bag KNEW what she/he was doing. Trust me, there was no mistaking my bag and no one else at the show had the same bag. Yes, this person knew and knowingly stole the purchase of someone else. Even today, I am still angered by the sheer disrespect this person has for others.

Yet, I wanted to write about this so if you happened to read my blog and knew this person, saw this necklace, or received it as a gift (which would be extremely rude!!) -please know, this necklace was STOLEN and I would greatly appreciate you contacting me. As would my customer, who paid for the necklace.

Crystal Allure Designs will be showcasing beaded jewelry at our last show of the year today, tomorrow and Sunday. Come out on this beautiful snowy day and check out our whole collection and even more pieces from our Crystal Ice Collection (TM) at the 38th Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (Rochester, New York).

As the holiday shopping season begins, we all dread the question we must face for each person we are buying for -"What do I get for (fill in the blank)?" Hmmm...the stress.Well, stress no more! I have found gift registries to be an amazing tool (and stress reliever!) when it comes to gift buying. While most of my gifts this year will be handmade, there are still some things that are just too personal a choice to know exactly what would be that special gift for that special person. That "thing" is jewelry. Purchasing jewelry is a very personal choice and one that reflects our style, as well as, our personality. You can NEVER go wrong with jewelry -but, should you get silver or gold metal? A simple chain pendant necklace or a chic beaded necklace?

Whether you are the gift receiver or the gift giver, the Crystal Allure Gift Registry can be your new best friend! Simply shop CrystalAllure.com until your hearts content, adding each piece to your gift registry and then provide your friends, family and loved ones your registry information and make their gift buying for you much easier and less stressful.

For each product, just look for the button: Start your holiday shopping at CrystalAllure.com

I think it's safe to say we are now in the holiday mode (and if we're not...someone didn't tell the retail stores!). In fact, just this past weekend I spent some time creating some handmade gifts, although none of what I made included starting my blanket. Maybe I'll get to that over the Thanksgiving holiday (who am I kidding?! You know I'll be making more jewelry!).

There is one more Crystal Allure show before the holidays begin but if you can't make that show and need some gift ideas, there is a new section on the website now called "beaded gifts". Here I will post or highlight some of the bestsellers, great gift ideas and newer beaded gift creations (pssst...stay tuned, there are some *new* beaded gifts coming soon).

So avoid the crowds, stressed out shoppers, traffic and enjoy shopping from the comfort of your own home!

While thinking about my direction in 2009 with Crystal Allure I decided I'd like to know what metal YOU prefer in jewelry and beaded jewelry designs. I used to be a strong gold wearer, but over time I have found that I also now like sterling silver.

Of course, it goes without saying (for ME) that jewelry and beaded jewelry designs that I make have to be in a quality metal. I just can't see wasting good talent on a design only to attach a lesser quality metal. But, that's my opinion -what's yours??

On the right side of my jewelry blog, there is a small poll asking what metal you prefer, if you could just take a minute and enter your vote, I'd greatly appreciate it!! While here, give a shout out and leave a comment about other beaded jewelry preferences you have or would like to see in 2009.

The holidays are approaching fast and I thought this was a great time to start the annual clearance sale. Pick up beaded jewelry for yourself or a stocking stuffer gift for someone else. Get select handmade jewelry at 50% off!All pieces offered are one-of-a-kind so once they're gone, they're gone for good. Choose from sparkling Swarovski crystal jewelry, chandelier earrings, embellished chain necklaces and even a few of our newest beaded pieces!

Start your holiday shopping early, from the comfort of your home, and get quality handmade beaded jewelry at a fantastic steal!

I really must try to get another picture because trust me, the ones I've taken -although they show how beautiful the necklace is -don't compare when the necklace hits the light in a certain way. All the black beads just shimmering and almost put the teardrop pendant to shame! Here's the coordinating handmade gemstone earrings:

Get back in touch with nature with these gemstones mined straight from the earth. Moss Jasper helps to balance emotional energy; helps the user to let go of anger and bitterness (so that the emotions are in balance); and strengthens in times of stress.

In other news:
Well, another show is done for this year. I got up Saturday and thought "it's going to be a good show" and then arrived at Union Hill only to have my hopes dashed. Again, not sure whether it is the economy, the lack of a pool of quality designers, or the rain, but the show was slow and there were one too many mass jewelry designers for my tastes.

My conclusion: Smaller shows = "mass produced" jewelry which = low costs (because of lower quality materials used...which allows them to price low). I say "mass produced" because although it is handmade, their tables are usually loaded with pieces, but it is clear these individuals are designing jewelry as a hobby -not a business. I usually get a handful of shoppers that comment how lovely my display is -not cluttered, well organized and showcases pieces -not piles of pieces. So, that in itself shows me people are noticing and recognizing Crystal Allure.

Although the whole day wasn't shot. I did pick up some yummy Tastefully Simple beer bread and truffle brownies! That was probably the highlight of the day. Oh well, I made a mental note about the show results and I'm not so sure I'll be doing that show next year. Sadly, I am finding that the better shows to be in (based on the quality of work I produce) are usually in the early part of the year. For the past few years, I keep missing the application deadlines and I do have concerns because they are all outdoors. It's really a catch 22. Sign up for the show (which the entry fee is ALOT more) and hope you do well (which I have been told, most vendors do quite well because of the level of the show). Or, worse, don't do well and/or have the weather affect your tent and setup. Showcasing jewelry and battling mother nature...usually mother nature wins. *smiles*

I have recently discovered my supplier of 24kt gold electroplated leaves will no longer be creating these beauties. I can't even get anymore at this point. But, luckily I do still have a few in stock. Already designed are the Real Lacey Oak Leaf Crystal Earrings (E135), shown below. Stunning in gold, perfect for fall!

What makes these leaf earrings so unique is the process used to electroform a real leaf. You can read more about this delicate process under my Jewelry Articles. And now, your leaf jewelry purchases at Crystal Allure just got even more unique because the leaves will no longer be made!

Real Oak Leaf Crystal Earrings (E135)One of a Kind

SOLD

It must be the season but in autumn I always get excited about creating leaf jewelry. It's as close to nature as I can get without slapping on a pair of earwires to a crumbling real leaf! So, to compensate but allow me to showcase the beauty of nature, I found these brass maple leaves and combined them with nephrite jade for the perfect leaf earrings!

Nephrite Jade Gemstone Leaf Beaded Earrings (E197)One of a Kind

SOLD

Although most of the leaves have fallen, there is one that has not quite turned the beautiful shades of autumn and that would be The Last Leaf.

These beautiful handmade bead earrings were created with a gentle shade of green nephrite jade gemstone highlighted by a burnished antiqued golden brass metal maple leaf. Finished with 14kt gold-fill earwires. Length is 1-1/2" from the bottom of the earwire.

New to the online store is our Cranberry Rose Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N064). So simple, yet so stunning. Appropriately named "Cranberries and Roses", which feature a rich cranberry colored freshwater pearl, it is the perfect color to add to your fall wardrobe.

Don't miss out, this is a one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded necklace and it was featured in the following media: -Indie Collective Shopping Guide Spring/Summer '09.

In other news: The month of October generally starts show season and I've been busy creating and preparing for upcoming shows. This month alone there are three shows in a row, one each week! Directly after a show, I do my best to replenish stock for the next show. Sometimes, pieces do not even make it to the online store before they are gone for good.

The past two shows have been for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics' (Johnson & Johnson) annual United Way campaign. I just love doing these shows as I get to meet some pretty fantastic ladies and my set up is usually near a window (daylight...something I don't get with my day job!). Also, at my day job, there are not many women around so I jump at the chance to socialize with the gals.

The first show held directly at Ortho Clinical, I was super busy -and loved it! It is extremely satisfying to be able to showcase your jewelry to an exclusive group and the environment allows me time to talk about what inspired a particular design and the materials used. I have found it is so very important that my customers know they are receiving quality jewelry handcrafted by me (alone). I'm getting so tired of mass produced stuff in America and I have found myself purchasing quite a few handmade items -whether for myself or a gift. Granted there are some things that cannot be purchased handmade in America, but if I can contribute to keeping our economy healthy with my made in America designs -then so it shall be!

At the Ortho Clinical show, I also received numerous custom orders and so I've been busy with those as well. It's been uplifting to hear my customers comments when they receive their custom jewelry piece -it makes it all worth it.

Hmm..I think too that I had a larger table set up this year? If not, it worked perfectly and allowed me to put out pretty much my entire stock of jewelry, to give shoppers the most to choose from.

The second show for Ortho Clinical was at a new location. They have purchased/rented some space at the Kodak building and I had the oppportunity to set up my wares in a conference room. It was huge! And all mine! In fact, I was worried that it might be more space than I had product to display, but it turned out perfectly. The show here was a little slower and not as successful as the first one. But it allowed me to test more set up options; gave me some quiet time (without my computer in front of me!) to sketch out some new designs and it also provided me with some observations. It didn't hurt either that I got some feedback from my contact.

All in all, the first two shows were a success in every way and I look forward to next year. Armed with more knowledge of my customers needs I'm fairly confident next year will be as successful as this year -and even better!

I'd like to thank both Holly and Liliana for coordinating the event and inviting me, Crystal Allure Designs, to showcase my jewelry designs.

I am happily married but I will admit, every chance I get, I watch Platnium Weddings on the WE channel. I can't help but drool over all the sparkle in these weddings and it never ceases to amaze me the new ideas these brides come up with!

One day, I'm searching around Etsy and I happened to stumble upon these stunning Swarovski Crystal Wedding Trees. Immediately I wanted one just because they were so beautiful! Then I thought about how elegant they would have looked at my wedding reception! Then I just wanted to share my find with all my readers.'Add a bit of fairy forest enchantment to your wedding. This is a table top wedding tree,made from mossy maple tree branches, wrapped with silk cherry blossom stems, hung with Swarovski prism crystals. This little tree holds a real robin's nest I found, with a ceramic robin's egg inside. This tree is standing in a high quality Polish lead crystal vase filled with glass stones. This tree is perfect as a feature on a cake, gift or head table at any wedding. I can make custom orders to suit your wedding colors or theme.''This is a table top autumn tree centerpiece, made from an Arbutus tree (a tree native to Western Canada) branch, decorated with faux autumn maple leaves, hung with Swarovski prism crystals and falling leaves. This tree is standing in a high quality lead crystal vase filled with glass stones, topped with moss and two sparkling fern fiddleheads. This tree is perfect as a feature for an autumn wedding, or to add drama to any table. I can make custom orders to suit your needs.'

You simply have to check out RaewynKelly's Etsy store!

If you're a Bride-To-Be, get custom bridal jewelry created -just for you -at Crystal Allure Creations. Add these Crystal Trees to your wedding and viola' -your very own Platnium Wedding!

The Fall season is in full swing and with it comes the need to create even more new designs to accommodate the upcoming holiday shopping season. I do have MANY new pieces to picture and get added to the site, but I felt it important to get my website updated a little.

I have found over the course of the year that many people (shoppers) did not know I do custom jewelry work. I have always done custom work and my website reflected this at one point -but when I changed the site earlier this year, I also had to recreate all the pages and I'm still working on that.

Over this past weekend, I updated the main site to highlight some beaded jewelry pieces that reflect the Fall Trends in both style and color. As well, I added some neat sections that highlight the other work I do.

Custom Beaded Jewelry
Whether you are looking for a stand out necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings for your work wardrobe or a special occasion, right down to the last detail, I'll work with you to design a piece you'll treasure for a lifetime! Specializing in Custom Bridal Jewelry, Custom Bridesmaid Jewelry, Custom Mother of the Bride Jewelry, Custom Flower Girl Jewelry, Custom Prom Jewelry, Custom Special Occasion Jewelry.

Swarovski Crystal Jewelry -Crystal Ice
The Crystal Ice Collection is not necessarily *new* but I did want to keep it highlighted, especially with the upcoming holiday season. The jewelry from this collection are fantastic pieces that add a little (or a lot!) of sparkle to your holiday parties, new years' eve bashes and even winter themed weddings!

Gift Certificates
Gift certificates make the perfect gift! We've always offered them, but again, with the upcoming holiday season, it can be tough to decide the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Let them shop for exactly what they want. Gift certificates are easy to redeem and allow the recipient to get their perfect jewelry gift!

With today appropriately being the first official day of Autumn, it was fitting to announce the new Fall Beaded Jewelry pieces have begun to be added. Whether you lean towards the trendy or traditional side, you'll find the perfect accessories to complement your fall wardrobe at Crystal Allure Jewelry.

Today's feature friday is Crystal Harvest, which features our gold-dipped leaves combined with Swarovski Crystal Copper. With autumn approaching next week (yikes!) already, it's a fantastic time to start thinking about our own fall fashions. If you are interested in the outfit shown, you can get that at Chadwicks.com.

As much as I love some of the high-profile fashion designers, I'm the typical "average woman" and as such, I look for things that are classic and work with everyday style (but has a little bit of, shall we say, "sparkle").

These handmade crystal earrings are designed with both an 8mm and 12mm Swarovski Crystal copper rondelles accented with 14 karat gold fill beads and ear wires. Beaded earrings are 3/4" in length from the bottom of the ear wire.

Are you new to jewelry design? And looking for fantastic bead sales?After many years in the business of jewelry design, I have accumulated a lot of beads! Let me help you get started, while you help me get rid of some beads. These are simply supplies that I am no longer offering in my designs, orphans, or strangly enough, just cannot come up with a use for them. But maybe you can!

Get quality materials at cost or below -it's a win-win!

Go to my Etsy shop of jewelry supplies on sale at crystalallure.etsy.com or click on the Etsy image in the right hand column.

But, I actually took a break yesterday from Crystal Allure to learn how to crochet a certain blanket. I signed myself, and an Aunt, up for a class at a local craft store only because I saw a blanket square displayed that I really wanted to learn how to do. I am obsessed with baskets -LOVE 'EM (especially Longaberger) and when I saw this sample, it looked just like a basket to me and I thought it would look fantastic in my living room. So guess what the pattern was called......are you ready?....a BASKET WEAVE pattern!Now this sample is a little more ambitious with a border, I may or may not do that, but in general this is the pattern.

I learned how to crochet when I was young, my mother and her cousin showed me how. Since then, I've crocheted a few simple blankets over the years (and the ever popular scarves) to give as gifts. Until recently, my mother always was crocheting something. She's done bridal dolls, blankets, scarves, you name it -she's probably done it. Because of hand problems she can no longer crochet and she had a few unfinished blankets that I have at home now. I will someday finish them, but I wanted to re-introduce myself to crocheting and do a few blankets I wanted first.

Since learning how to crochet, as you can imagine, I got into many other crafts. One of which was cross stitch. I love to do it, but it just takes so long to do one project. Needless to say, I have one unfinished cross stitch gift that maybe by 2050 it'll be done. So much to learn and do, so little time.

So, I'm excited to begin a blanket with this new pattern I've learned and it's perfect timing with the fall weather upon us. It's much easier to crochet a blanket when it's chilly out (and football is on). We'll see how quickly I can get this blanket done in addition to maintaining all the facets of Crystal Allure (and a personal life!).

I recently came across a jewelry website offering designer jewelry. Curious, I looked around. What I found astounded me. The site, although designed very well, sold what is really costume jewelry, but at bridge or even fine jewelry prices. For example, I found a simply designed pair of acrylic drop style type earrings made with synthetic pearls and gold plated earwires and components -they were priced at $30! Outragous, to say the least.

Anyone in the jewelry business knows how difficult it is to price your handcrafted jewelry designs, so that they are fair and competitive within the industry. But the key is to always adjust up or down depending on various factors (some of which include: materials used, design technique, complexity, availability, etc). You can apply a formula to your costs but you still need to adjust at times. That being said, if a plastic pair of earrings is worth $30 (as described above), then my jewelry is WAY under-priced.

But clearly, I don't look at it that way. I have taken great pains to research my pricing strategy and competitiveness in the handmade jewelry market -that sells designs using similar materials. So, if you wish to get your ($30) dollars worth, shop Crystal Allure Jewelry where you can get a $29 dollar pair of handmade earrings designed using sterling silver, Swarovski Crystals and a delicate, feminine wire-wrapping technique, similar to the pair shown below.

Shown above are a beautiful pair of handmade beaded earrings, 2-1/4" in length, designed with sparkling aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals gently wire-wrapped in a stream of sterling silver chain 'bubbles' with sterling earwires.

For those of you that are in the jewelry business or just starting out, an excellent jewelry business resource can be found at Rena Klingberg's site, Home Jewelry Business Success Tips. There are hundreds of articles and tips from jewelry makers like you and me (including tips on pricing). Subscribe to her newsletter for updates and new articles.

I am attempting to add more blue color to the jewelry collection and today's feature highlights two new beaded bracelet designs. Both these bracelets feature a vibrant blue faceted rondelle glass bead accented by Swarovski austrian crystal pearls and .925 bali beads. While making the Pearly Blue Cross Charm Bracelet (below), I felt compelled to add a sterling silver cross charm and I think it looks fantastic! You'll find the Pearly Blue Bali Bracelet a little more subdued, but equally stunning.Today's feature showcases both these bracelets at a fabulous sale price, for a limited time only. Each beaded bracelet is a one-of-a-kind so hurry on over the the website and get yours before they are gone for good.

The kids are officially back in school! I can hear all you ladies cheering now (with tears in your eyes). Even my husband is taking classes towards his masters. Not that he has ever complained about the time I spend creating, I do feel quilty at times spending so much time with my beads. Almost feels like a love affair...with my BEADS!

The only good thing about hubbie in class is I spend that one night focused on completing a particular design. In this case, the result is this enchanting embossed indigo shell necklace, featured below.

I'm normally not a big fan of blue, but when I saw this shell pendant I knew I had to have it. Its' shade of blue is such an enchanting blue that I wouldn't even really know how to describe it. The picture truly doesn't do it justice.

While creating this necklace, I realized I didn't really have much blue jewelry in my collection (again, probably because I'm not an overly huge fan of it). But, I did decide to be more conscious of it and try to incorporate a few more blue pieces for all you blue jewelry lovers out there. Blue truly is the perfect color for Summer Beaded Jewelry!

The best part about Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry is we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So while your kiddies are at school (or sleeping), shop from the comfort of your home (in your PJs!) or from the office.

I've been so busy picturing new jewelry, tagging, etc that I didn't realize it's been well over a week since my last post. Sorry about that. But the good news is, I have lots of new beaded jewelry that will be posted -beginning...well, just a few minutes ago actually.

As a teaser, below is the Natural Coconut Shell Circle Topaz Bead Necklace (N057), which has complimentary pieces to wear and incorporates two fashion colors for Fall 2008 (Shitake and Ochre).

As part of the upcoming new fall jewelry designs, there are a few pieces that incorporate the fashionable Burnt Orange color (which was predicted in the Pantone Fashion Color Report, as being a hot color for Fall 2008). The bold Red Aventurine Gemstone Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N040) is one of those pieces.

Red Aventurine Gemstone Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N040)

SOLD

This handmade gemstone necklace is the perfect complement to autumn with its vibrantly warm brown and reddish-orange colors -reminds you of the changing leaves. Design features a faceted red aventurine gemstone teardrop pendant, gemstone nugget beads, brown freshwater pearls, sterling silver Bali, beads and lobster clasp with extender chain. The finishing touch to this beautiful necklace is a single delicate brown freshwater pearl dangling in the back, much like the last autumn leaf. This gemstone necklace is adjustable 16-1/2" to 18-1/4".

As we head towards the Fall season, I thought it would be a great time to introduce some NEW staple pieces of jewelry that compliment any wardrobe. Classic Black. It's always a great match for nearly every wardrobe and it never goes out of style. This classic color may not be reported as a "trend" for Fall 2008 by those in the fashion world, but it is a color that can be worn any season of the year.

You can already see some of the new beaded jewelry pieces on the Crystal Allure Jewelry website. More classic black designs will be added in the coming weeks and then even more new beaded designs will be added mid-September featuring Fall 2008 color and jewelry trends.

If you are looking to drive traffic to your handcrafted jewelry / handmade jewelry website, then you should take a moment and check out the Handcrafted Jewelry Top 100 jewelry directory site.

What is the Handcrafted Jewelry Top 100?
It is an online jewelry directory where you can browse and find artisan jewelry sites featuring unique handcrafted jewelry and original lampwork beads and jewelry by some of the finest artisan jewelry designers, handcrafted jewelry artists and lampwork glass artists around the web.

What is so great about the Handcrafted Jewelry Top 100 directory is that it only hosts website links to artisans -no commercial sites are allowed to join. What that means for the consumer is, no matter what site they choose to browse, the items they purchase have been handmade and not mass-produced. For the website owner, you receive "free" advertising that increases traffic that may generate more sales for you.

This directory is for you, if you are a handmade jewelry artist or lampwork artisan interested in driving traffic to your site. You can register for FREE just by opening an account and entering your website data and banner (for visitors to see and click over to your site). The only requirement is that you place a Handcrafted Jewelry Top 100 banner on your site (the banner and link information will be provided to you when you register). If you choose this option and would like your banner to be visible, you must be listed in the top 100 sites. If you are not listed in the top 100, you can get there by promoting the Handcrafted Jewelry Top 100 banner on your site, in a prominent place, for visitors to click over to the site (each visitor that clicks over gives your banner listing 1 vote -the more votes -the higher in the list your banner will be).

If you have questions about becoming a member or how to register, please feel free to contact the list administrator through Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry.

Not that I thought it wouldn't happen at some point but, geeze! Coffee too?! I love my afternoon coffee, but not anymore. Today, I went to get my regular afternoon coffee from my favorite coffee vendor (and no, it's not the place you're probably thinking of). Anyhow, the woman cashing me out just blatantly shouts the new price and I'm taken back -$4.54?!?!? Are you kidding me?

So, today is a sad day...Now I'll have to bring in my own creamer from home just to have a decent afternoon cup of coffee.

Okay, rant is over. On to the really important part of this blog post. Ask any of my friends and they'll tell you the same thing. If the crowd all shuffles left -I'm going right. I like to be different, that's just my thing. So, beginning August 15th you will find some great savings on handmade beaded jewelry from Crystal Allure Designs!

One of my favorite bracelet series is the Friendship Series. It showcases a sophisticated collection of charm bracelets inspired by what else -Friends! Myself, along with three other friends, try to get together periodically for a "ladies night". This gathering usually involves relaxing with the ladies, great conversation and a few tasty cocktails.

Friends are an important part of our lives and the Friendship Series of bracelets celebrates the bond of friendship, the sharing of our hopes and dreams and the laughter of fond memories of a girls nights out.

Over the years, the Friendship Series has grown and will continue to grow with more designs arriving soon. To date, it has included the:

The Friendship Series currently has available the Margarita & Cosmopolitan (shown below) charm bracelets. Pick one up for yourself or your friend! If you need a special size, please email me prior to ordering.If you are interested in a group of Friendship Series bracelets, either custom designed or a re-creation of the charm bracelets available, please contact me to discuss the details.

As part of Feature Friday, enjoy FREE SHIPPING from now through Sunday, August 10th.

Pictured below is Lili Haydn with our exclusively designed Mother of Pearl Circle Earrings. These earrings were designed just for the What A Pair Celebrity Duet Event that took place in June.

I was very happy to see our earrings displayed front and center on the celebrity gift bag table all day (and in every photo!). And for those lucky few Crystal Allure VIP newsletter subscribers who purchased them during our limited time offer -you now own the very design gracing some of our favorite celebrities!

Photo of Lili Haydn courtesy of: It's In The Bag

Remember, if you're not already a newsletter subscriber you can sign up today for future exclusive VIP offers like this one. Just use the sign up box in the right hand column.

The past weekend proved to be very productive and you will find posted on the website many new beaded watches and bead pendants. While sitting in front of my "bead pile" I realized I had just one lampwork or gemstone bead left over from a previous design and I thought it would be a waste not to do something with it. I had designed a few pendants in the past but focused on building my regular line. But the timing was right, the beads were at hand and viola' -new chic beaded pendants!

There are a few new things going on over at the Crystal Allure Jewelry website -just a few visual tweaks. But while there don't forget to check out all the new beaded jewelry that were posted this month. Although I am in the midst of preparing for an upcoming show this weekend, I have also still been on a designing streak. There are many new handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelet designs coming for Fall 2008. I don't like to rush the seasons but you will start to see some of these new designs rolling out in August.

I am also happy to announce a new resource of information being made available to you: Jewelry Articles. In this section you will get the leading information on bead history, birthstone articles, trends in jewelry, gemstone facts and legends. Listed below is a sampling of some of the handmade jewelry articles I have researched and posted:

Over time, this list of handmade jewelry articles will continue to grow featuring relevant topics of interest to both customers and visitors. If there is a topic you would like to see, please email me.

DISCLAIMERIf you wish to republish/post any articles by Crystal Allure, please include a direct link to the source beneath the article post. Please retain the original content without modifications or revisions. Thank you!

This is a one of a kindbeaded jewelry set and if needed the bracelet size can be altered to fit your wrist.

Yellow Pearl Czech Window Beaded Bracelet (B130)
$49.55

The sunny color of this handmade beaded bracelet will make you smile everytime you put it on your wrist. Yellow Czech window beads are accented with elegant white Swarovski Pearls, vermeil gold Bali and finished with a 14kt gold fill heart clasp. Bracelet measures 8-1/2".

Yellow Pearl Czech Window Beaded Earrings (E190)
$33.95

These lovely handmade beaded earrings almost look just like those wrapped butterscotch hard candies. The same yellow Czech window beads are adorned with white Swarovski Crystal Pearls, vermeil gold bali on 14kt gold fill leverback earwires. Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the earwire.

Pearl is also June's Birthstone. This jewelry set would certainly make for a heartfelt and thoughtful birthday gift.

New to Crystal Allure are a few Summer Jewelry one-of-a-kind pieces themed on summer seashells. I couldn't resist these summery tangerine colored Czech glass clamshell beads which have been paired with natural Mother of Pearl circles and sterling silver.

Adding to the overall charm of this piece is a single Czech glass shell placed on one side of the chain necklace. The Tangerine Shell Mother of Pearl Circle Sterling Chain Set is sold as a necklace and earring combination and is one-of-a-kind.

If She Sells Seashells this is a treasure found!

A summery tangerine colored Czech glass shell bead highlights the natural beauty of the Mother of Pearl circles. A circle pendant features three dangling shells and just as you would find a one-of-a-kind shell at the beach, a single Czech glass shell can be found on one side of the sterling silver chain, adding a contemporary flair to this perfect summer accessory.

A more detailed look at this summer fun necklace:

Tangerine Shell Mother of Pearl Necklace Set (NES3)

$63.95

Necklace measures 16-3/4" with a pendant drop of 2-1/2". Sterling silver leverback earrings measure 1" from the bottom of the ear wire.